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Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... May 2024This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus, alone and in combination with ciprofloxacin, against otitis media-associated...
This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus, alone and in combination with ciprofloxacin, against otitis media-associated bacteria. L. acidophilus cells were isolated from Vitalactic B (VB), a commercially available probiotic product containing two lactobacilli species, L. acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) plantarum. The pathogenic bacterial samples were provided by Al-Shams Medical Laboratory (Baqubah, Iraq). Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing for 16 antibiotics were performed using the VITEK2 system. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ciprofloxacin was also determined. The antimicrobial activity of L. acidophilus VB1 cell-free supernatant (La-CFS) was evaluated alone and in combination with ciprofloxacin using a checkerboard assay. Our data showed significant differences in the synergistic activity when La-CFS was combined with ciprofloxacin, in comparison to the use of each compound alone, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa SM17 and Proteus mirabilis SM42. However, an antagonistic effect was observed for the combination against Staphylococcus aureus SM23 and Klebsiella pneumoniae SM9. L. acidophilus VB1 was shown to significantly co-aggregate with the pathogenic bacteria, and the highest co-aggregation percentage was observed after 24 h of incubation. The anti-biofilm activities of CFS and biosurfactant (BS) of L. acidophilus VB1 were evaluated, and we found that the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration that inhibits 50% of bacterial biofilm (MBIC50) of La-CFS was significantly lower than MBIC50 of La-BS against the tested pathogenic bacterial species. Lactobacillus acidophilus, isolated from Vitane Vitalactic B capsules, demonstrated promising antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against otitis media pathogens, highlighting its potential as an effective complementary/alternative therapeutic strategy to control bacterial ear infections.
PubMed: 38789905
DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01363-5 -
American Society of Clinical Oncology... Jun 2024Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are being increasingly integrated into routine clinical practice to enhance individual patient care. This has been driven by recognition... (Review)
Review
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are being increasingly integrated into routine clinical practice to enhance individual patient care. This has been driven by recognition of the benefits of PROs in enhancing symptom management, patient satisfaction, quality of life, and overall survival, and reductions in acute health care utilization. These benefits are reflected in the emergence of value-based health care initiatives incorporating PRO symptom monitoring such as the Enhancing Oncology Model in the United States. However, implementing PROs can be challenging and it can be difficult to know where to begin to select appropriate PROs, and effectively display and appropriately interpret PRO data. This manuscript summarizes an educational session at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting, which provided practical guidance to clinicians seeking to incorporate PROs into the care of people with advanced cancer. We focus on why it is important to collect PROs in routine care from a patient's perspective, how to select PROs for symptom monitoring (including using static patient-reported outcome measures and newer item libraries), and highlight key pearls and pitfalls in the display and interpretation of PROs. We highlight the breadth of existing resources available to guide clinicians in PRO implementation.
Topics: Humans; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Medical Oncology
PubMed: 38788184
DOI: 10.1200/EDBK_438512 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria of the utmost importance are extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CRE),...
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria of the utmost importance are extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CRE), carbapenem-resistant (CRAB), carbapenem-resistant (CRPA), methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant spp. (VRE). In this study, an evaluation of MDR bacteria in surgical intensive care units in a tertiary referral hospital was conducted. The study aimed to characterize β-lactamases and other resistance traits of Gram-negative bacteria isolated in surgical intensive care units (ICUs). Disk diffusion and the broth dilution method were used for antibiotic susceptibility testing, whereas ESBL screening was performed through a double disk synergy test and an inhibitor-based test with clavulanic acid. A total of 119 MDR bacterial isolates were analysed. ESBL production was observed in half of the , 90% of the and all of the and isolates. OXA-48 carbapenemase, carried by the L plasmid, was detected in 34 and one and complex isolates, whereas NDM occurred sporadically and was identified in three isolates. OXA-48 positive isolates coharboured ESBLs belonging to the CTX-M family in all but one isolate. OXA-23 carbapenemase was confirmed in all isolates. The findings of this study provide valuable insight of resistance determinants of Enterobacterales and which will enhance surveillance and intervention strategies that are necessary to curb the ever-growing carbapenem resistance rates.
PubMed: 38787264
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050411 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently a growing concern among healthcare providers, underscoring the importance of describing the regional susceptibility profile...
INTRODUCTION
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently a growing concern among healthcare providers, underscoring the importance of describing the regional susceptibility profile for common microorganisms that are associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). This knowledge serves as the foundation for proper empirical therapeutic recommendations tailored to local susceptibility patterns.
RESULTS
We found a high prevalence of ESBL-producing strains (36.9%), with and spp. being the most prevalent isolated bacteria. Among the catheterized patients, spp. emerged as the primary etiology, with a significant correlation between catheterization and spp. ( = 0.02) and ( < 0.0001). We observed significant correlations between urinary catheterization and older age (68.9 ± 13.7 years vs. 64.2 ± 18.1 years in non-catheterized patients, = 0.026) and with the presence of an isolate with extensive drug resistance ( < 0.0001) or even pandrug resistance ( < 0.0001). Susceptibility rates significantly decreased for almost all the tested antibiotics during the study period. Notably, susceptibility was markedly lower among catheterized patients, with the most pronounced differences observed for carbapenems (59.6% versus 83.4%, < 0.0001) and aminoglycosides (37.1% versus 46.9%, = 0.0001).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study analyzing the susceptibility profiles of 724 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales isolated from urine cultures. Our focus was on highlighting susceptibility profiles among isolates associated with urinary catheterization and assessing the shifts in the susceptibility rates over time.
CONCLUSIONS
The constant rise in AMR rates among Enterobacterales presents significant challenges in treating severe infections, particularly among urinary catheterized patients. This trend leaves clinicians with limited or no effective treatment options. Consequently, the development and implementation of personalized treatment protocols are imperative to ensure efficient empirical therapies.
PubMed: 38786190
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13050462 -
Cureus Apr 2024Introduction Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) are particularly vulnerable to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to immunological deficits and renal...
Introduction Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) are particularly vulnerable to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to immunological deficits and renal abnormalities associated with the disorder. These infections can exacerbate underlying health issues and lead to severe complications if not managed promptly and effectively. Due to the heightened risk and potential consequences of UTIs in this population, this study aimed to determine their prevalence and explore the resistance patterns of causative pathogens among children attending the SCD Clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Focusing on this demographic group, we sought to provide targeted insights to inform better clinical protocols and intervention strategies in regions heavily affected by SCD. Materials and methods This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the MNH, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with an enrollment over two months from 19 March to 21 May 2015. We diagnosed UTIs in children with SCD using dipstick and culture methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, evaluating resistance patterns to antibiotics such as ampicillin, cloxacillin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The diagnostic accuracy of the dipstick and culture methods was validated to ensure reliability in detecting UTIs. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results Among the 250 children, 56 (22.4%) were UTI-positive according to the culture method and 62 (24.8%) were UTI-positive according to the dipstick test. Girls were more likely to be UTI-positive than boys (29.1% and 13.6%, respectively; p-value = 0.011). was the most common uropathogen, followed by and (44.2%, 26.9%, 21.2%, 3.8%, and 1.9%, respectively). All isolates were resistant to ampiclox. Resistance rates to ampicillin, erythromycin, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenicol, and ceftriaxone were 94.2%, 76.9%, 59.6%, 46.2%, and 21.2%, respectively. Conclusion This study indicated that dipsticks diagnosed more UTIs. The prevalence was higher in girls than in boys. was the most commonly isolated antibiotic-resistant organism. High resistance levels were observed against the combination of ampicillin and cloxacillin. However,the isolates were less resistant to ceftriaxone. These results call for increased surveillance of resistant uropathogens in the pediatric population with SCD.
PubMed: 38784373
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58786 -
Scientific Reports May 2024The Proteus effect, which occurs when using an avatar in virtual reality, influences user behavior, changes attitudes, and improves physical performance. Here, we show...
The Proteus effect, which occurs when using an avatar in virtual reality, influences user behavior, changes attitudes, and improves physical performance. Here, we show that human pain perception can be alleviated by the Proteus effect. To investigate the pain alleviation effect of using an avatar in a virtual environment, we conducted two experiments using a head-mounted display and a thermal pain stimulator to induce acute pain. The first experiment involved 20 adult participants, while the second experiment involved 44 adult participants. Experimental results show that participants reported significantly lower pain scores (15.982% reduction), as measured by the Pain Assessment Scale (PAS), when using a muscular avatar than when using a normal avatar. The experiments also revealed several significant gender factors. For example, participants reported significantly lower pain scores when using a gender-congruent avatar. In addition, the use of a muscular avatar was particularly effective for male participants. In contrast, female participants consistently reported lower pain scores when using the avatar regardless of its body type (muscular/normal). To further our understanding, we also measured participants' gender-related pain stereotypes using the Gender Role Expectations of Pain (GREP) questionnaire, as well as participants' sense of embodiment. The results of these questionnaires are consistent with the results of the PAS, suggesting possible relationships between stereotypes and the Proteus effect on pain perception, and between the degree of immersion in an avatar and the user's perception of pain.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Pain Perception; Adult; Sex Factors; Young Adult; Virtual Reality; Pain Measurement; Surveys and Questionnaires; Pain; User-Computer Interface; Avatar
PubMed: 38783020
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61409-4 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies May 2024Medicinal plants play a major role in the delivery of healthcare, particularly among the rural population of Ethiopia. Plant extracts and their bioactive compounds have...
BACKGROUND
Medicinal plants play a major role in the delivery of healthcare, particularly among the rural population of Ethiopia. Plant extracts and their bioactive compounds have been utilized for the treatment of several diseases. This study was aimed at evaluating the antibacterial activity, antioxidant capacity, and phytochemical content of selected medicinal plants used in Dibatie district, western Ethiopia.
METHODS
Study plants were collected, shade dried, pulverized, extracted by maceration in 80% ethanol, and subjected to antibacterial, antioxidant, and phytochemical tests. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using 96-well microplates and nutrient broth microdilution. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard test methods.
RESULTS
The ethanolic extract of Polystachya steudneri Rchb.f. pseudobulbs was the most active against gram-negative Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Shigella flexneri, with MIC values of 8 ± 0, 11 ± 5, 3 ± 1, 3 ± 1, and 2 ± 0 mg/mL, respectively. The ethanolic extract of P. steudneri was also the most effective against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Enterococcus faecalis, with MIC values of 8 ± 0, 8 ± 0, 3 ± 1, and 16 ± 0 mg/mL, respectively. Ethanolic extracts of Gnidia involucrata Steud. ex A.Rich. stems and roots were effective antioxidants, with respective 50% DPPH free radical inhibitory concentrations (IC) of 168.68 and 181.79 µg/mL, followed by that of P. steudneri (IC = 203.11 µg/mL). The study plants contained alkaloids, anthocyanins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids.
CONCLUSIONS
This study confirmed the antibiotic, antioxidant, and phytochemical constituents of the investigated plants and suggested further investigations that may lead to bioactive lead compounds.
Topics: Ethiopia; Plants, Medicinal; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antioxidants; Plant Extracts; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Phytochemicals; Medicine, African Traditional; Humans; Bacteria
PubMed: 38773522
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04499-x -
Diabetes Therapy : Research, Treatment... Jul 2024This study aimed to determine the pathogen distribution and drug susceptibility of diabetic foot wound secretions in a tertiary hospital in a coastal area of...
INTRODUCTION
This study aimed to determine the pathogen distribution and drug susceptibility of diabetic foot wound secretions in a tertiary hospital in a coastal area of southeastern China to guide clinical antibiotic selection.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 212 patients with diabetic foot hospitalized at Xiamen Third Hospital from 2018 to 2023, and foot wound secretions were collected for microbial culture and drug susceptibility testing.
RESULTS
Among 212 cases of patients with diabetic foot wound secretions, 163 cases (76.9%) were cultured with pathogenic bacteria, and a total of 207 strains of pathogenic bacteria were cultured, including 75 strains (36.23%) of Gram-positive (G+) bacteria, 118 strains of Gram-negative (G-) bacteria (57.00%), 14 strains of fungi (6.76%), 120 cases of single microorganism infection (73.62%), 43 cases of mixed infection (26.38%), and 15 strains of multidrug-resistant bacteria (7.25%). The top three pathogenic bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. G+ bacteria were dominated by S. aureus. Drug susceptibility results showed that G+ bacteria were highly susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, quinupristin/dalfopristin, rifampicin, and furotoxin, and somewhat resistant to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and cefoxitin. Among G- bacterial infections, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Proteus were the major species. Drug susceptibility testing indicated that carbapenems such as imipenem and ertapenem were the most effective antibacterial drugs against G- strains, followed by amikacin, piperacillin, and tazabactams to which these bacteria were also relatively sensitive, while resistance to penicillins and first-generation cephalosporins increased significantly. We isolated one strain of pathogenic bacteria from a Wagner grade 1 ulcer, which was G+ bacteria. In Wagner grade 2 ulcers, the distribution of pathogenic bacteria was mainly G+ bacteria. In Wagner grade 3 and 4 ulcers, the distribution of pathogenic bacteria was mainly G- bacteria, and the increased rate of mixed infection was mainly due to mixed infection of G+ and G-. Two strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated at Wagner grade 5, which were mixed infections of G+ and G-.
CONCLUSIONS
Pathogenic bacteria in diabetic foot wounds are predominantly G- bacteria, followed by G+ bacteria. As the Wagner ulcer grade increases, the distribution of pathogenic bacteria changes from G+ bacteria to G- bacteria, and the mixed infection rate increases. G+ bacteria are highly susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, quinupristin/dalfopristin, rifampicin, and furotoxin, and somewhat resistant to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and cefoxitin. G- bacteria are more sensitive to the antimicrobial drugs ertapenem, imipenem, amikacin, piperacillin tazobactam, and have high resistance to penicillin and first-generation cephalosporins.
PubMed: 38771473
DOI: 10.1007/s13300-024-01601-x -
International Microbiology : the... May 2024In the relentless battle against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria, piceatannol emerges as a beacon of hope, showcasing unparalleled antibacterial efficacy and...
In the relentless battle against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria, piceatannol emerges as a beacon of hope, showcasing unparalleled antibacterial efficacy and a unique ability to disrupt virulence factors. Our study illuminates the multifaceted prowess of piceatannol against prominent pathogens-Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Notably, piceatannol demonstrated a remarkable ability to inhibit biofilm formation, reduce bacterial mobility, and diminish extracellular enzyme synthesis.Mechanistic insights into piceatannol's activity unraveled its impact on membrane potential, proton motive force, and ATP production. Furthermore, our study delved into piceatannol's anti-quorum sensing (QS) activity, showcasing its potential to downregulate QS-encoding genes and affirming its affinity to critical QS receptors through molecular docking. Crucially, piceatannol exhibited a low propensity for resistance development, positioning it as a promising candidate for combating antibiotic-resistant strains. Its mild effect on red blood cells (RBCs) suggests safety even at higher concentrations, reinforcing its potential translational value. In an in vivo setting, piceatannol demonstrated protective capabilities, significantly reducing pathogenesis in mice infected with P. aeruginosa and P. mirabilis. This comprehensive analysis positions piceatannol as a renaissance in antibacterial innovation, offering a versatile and effective strategy to confront the evolving challenges posed by resilient Gram-negative pathogens.
PubMed: 38767683
DOI: 10.1007/s10123-024-00532-8 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024This retrospective study aims to identify risk factors for urogenic sepsis in patients with upper urinary tract stones following ureteral flexible lithotripsy (FURL)....
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study aims to identify risk factors for urogenic sepsis in patients with upper urinary tract stones following ureteral flexible lithotripsy (FURL). Additionally, we analyze the clinical characteristics of bacterial infections post-surgery.
METHODS
A total of 759 patients who underwent FURL at the Urology Department of Zunyi Medical University were included. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for urogenic sepsis post-FURL. The distribution of bacteria based on preoperative urine cultures was also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using R4.2.2 software.
RESULTS
Of the 759 patients, positive preoperative urine culture, urine nitrite positivity, urine white blood cell count (WBC) ≥ 200 cells/μL, residual stones, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were found to be independent risk factors for urogenic sepsis after FURL. Among the 164 patients with positive preoperative urine cultures, 32 developed urogenic sepsis post-surgery, with 68.75% having positive preoperative cultures. The leading pathogens causing postoperative urogenic sepsis were (), , , and . The probabilities of progression to urogenic sepsis were as follows: 19% ( = 12), 43% ( = 3), 33.3% ( = 1), and 33.3% ( = 1). The ages of affected patients were 47.17 ± 13.2, 53.7, 41, and 79 years, respectively. Rates of comorbid diabetes were 36.4, 66.7, 50, 100%, with nitrite positivity rates at 72.7, 33.3, 50, 0%. Ten female patients were infected with , while patients infected with had an NLR of 7.62.
CONCLUSION
Positive preoperative urine culture, urine nitrite positivity, urine WBC ≥ 200 cells/μL, residual stones, and NLR are independent risk factors for urogenic sepsis after FURL. is the predominant pathogen post-FURL, with notable female prevalence and nitrite-positive urine in infections. infections are associated with diabetes.
PubMed: 38765255
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1393734